Broccoli, the vegetable superhero, deserves the best companions to help it grow strong and nutritious.
However, some plants may do more harm than good when planted near your beloved broccoli.
As an expert gardening blogger, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to avoid specific plant combinations to maintain a flourishing garden.
In this article, I’ll reveal 12 plants that might hinder your broccoli’s growth and why they should be avoided.
Let’s get ready to separate the foes from the friends in our gardens!
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and broccoli might seem like a perfect duo, but their garden compatibility is far from ideal.
Both plants compete for the same nutrients, which could stunt their growth and reduce their overall yield.
Additionally, tomatoes attract certain pests like aphids and whiteflies that could potentially damage broccoli plants.
To ensure a healthier, happier garden, it’s best to keep tomatoes at a safe distance from your broccoli.
2. Cauliflower
Cauliflower and broccoli might be cousins, but they’re not ideal companions in the garden.
Both plants belong to the Brassica family, making them susceptible to the same diseases and pests, such as cabbage worms and clubroot.
Planting cauliflower too close to broccoli increases the risk of these problems spreading between plants.
Rotate crops and keep cauliflower away from broccoli to reduce disease and pest issues.
3. Brussels Sprouts
Another Brassica family member, Brussels sprouts, also don’t make good companions for broccoli.
Like cauliflower, they share the same pests and diseases, increasing the risk of these problems when planted together.
By avoiding the pairing of these two plants, you’ll promote a healthier garden and decrease the chances of spreading pests and diseases.
4. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens may add a zesty flavor to your meals, but they’re not ideal partners for broccoli in the garden.
They can attract harlequin bugs, which can then move on to your broccoli and cause extensive damage.
Keep mustard greens far away from your broccoli plants to prevent these pesky pests from feasting on your precious veggies.
5. Cabbage
Yet another Brassica family member, cabbage, shouldn’t be planted near broccoli.
Sharing similar pests and diseases, cabbage can put your broccoli plants at higher risk.
Rotate crops and keep cabbage away from broccoli to promote a healthier garden and reduce the chances of disease and pest outbreaks.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries may be a sweet treat, but they’re not great companions for broccoli.
They can compete for nutrients, leading to weaker growth and reduced yields in both plants.
Keep strawberries separated from broccoli to avoid nutrient competition and give both plants the best chance to thrive.
7. Corn
Corn may tower above your broccoli, but it’s not a good companion plant.
Corn can attract pests like corn earworms, which could also damage your broccoli plants.
Additionally, corn is a heavy feeder, depleting the soil of essential nutrients that broccoli needs to grow.
Give your broccoli a better chance at success by keeping corn at bay.
8. Sunflowers
Sunflowers may brighten up your garden with their cheerful appearance, but they don’t play nice with broccoli.
Sunflowers are allelopathic, meaning they release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including broccoli.
Plant sunflowers at a distance to prevent their allelopathic effects from impacting your broccoli’s growth.
9. Pole Beans
Pole beans and broccoli may not be the best of friends in your garden.
Pole beans can attract pests like bean beetles, which may move on to your broccoli and cause damage.
Give your broccoli a pest-free environment by keeping pole beans away.
10. Asparagus
Asparagus and broccoli share a few enemies, including the asparagus beetle and various diseases, making them unfavorable companions.
By planting asparagus near broccoli, you may inadvertently create a hotbed for pests and diseases to thrive and spread.
Ensure a healthier, more productive garden by keeping asparagus separate from your broccoli plants.
11. Fennel
Fennel’s strong scent can sometimes make it a helpful companion plant, but not for broccoli.
Fennel is allelopathic and can hinder the growth of nearby plants, including your precious broccoli.
To prevent any growth inhibition, maintain a good distance between fennel and broccoli in your garden.
12. Peppers
Peppers may add spice to your dishes, but they aren’t suitable partners for broccoli in the garden.
Both plants compete for the same nutrients, which can result in weaker growth and smaller yields.
Keep peppers away from broccoli to ensure that both plants have access to the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
Final Thoughts
While broccoli may be a garden superhero, it needs the right environment to reach its full potential.
By avoiding these 12 common plants, you’ll protect your broccoli from competition, pests, and diseases.
It’s essential to remember that good companion planting is all about creating a thriving garden ecosystem, so be sure to surround your broccoli with supportive plant friends.
And with a bit of effort and planning, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, nutritious broccoli. Happy gardening!